Page 37 of The Replacement Duchess

“Might you wish to promenade, Lady Diana?” he asked, and it was her turn to shift her attention to him.

“Oh! Well, I guess so.”

“Wonderful.”

They walked in silence for a while. The weather had at last improved, and the air was filled with the sound of birds, which Colin certainly appreciated.

“Are you well now, Lady Diana?” he asked.

“I am much improved, yes. Why? Do I seem unrecovered?”

“Not at all! I only mean that you had me quite concerned about you. I felt your absence when I called on you.”

“I’m quite sure my sister made up for it, though.”

“If you would like my honest answer, I would have to tell you that she did not.”

“That is nonsense, and you know it.”

“Not at all!”

“But you were enjoying her company. The two of you were getting along perfectly.”

“I also get along with mothers of young debutantes if I must, that does not mean I prefer them to you.”

“But—”

“Lady Diana, if we must have a dispute each time I see you, then our marriage will be quite difficult.”

She laughed softly. “Very well, I believe you.”

“Good. Now, you seem ill at ease. Might I be able to help?”

“Walking me away from those in attendance was the best thing you could have possibly done for me.”

“Ah, are you not a fan of garden parties?”

“I cannot stand them.”

“Because of the people?”

“Well, something like that.”

“Then we need not return to it. I should be quite happy to remain here with you until the end of the event, I assure you.”

“No, it is quite alright. Samantha will be left with our father if we do not return, and I cannot do that to her.”

“I understand. In any case, shall we walk a while?”

“I am sure she will forgive that.”

It was pleasurable walking with Lady Diana in silence. She was beautiful when she was outspoken and told those around her just what she thought. She was the same when they were arguing, although it never occurred to him in the moments of the disputes, and she was a bright spark when she was passionate about something, as if a part of her came alive.

What he could not help but notice, though, was the way she did not sparkle when she was at peace, but sheglowed. There was a softness to her that not many ladies had, and it was nothing other than beautiful.

“Your Grace,” a gentleman said suddenly, and Colin hated that his thoughts about Lady Diana had been interrupted, particularly by a gentleman he did not know.

“Good afternoon, My Lord.”

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